ATM Skimming / Skimming / EFTPOS Compromise

Two Sri Lankan nationals, suspected of fraud spend at ATMs were arrested in the US during October. Two Bulgarian nationals were arrested in Thailand following detection of fraudulent spend. Suspects were jailed in South Africa during October. Their modus operandi included the use of hand held skimming devices which they used to make copies of cards while pretending to assist vulnerable ATM users. ATM skimming incidents in India appeared to increase through October. A Malaysian national was jailed for six years in Singapore for using cloned cards to make unauthorised withdrawals. The suspect was apparently forced by an illegal money lender to make the transactions after failing to repay a loan.

Card Trapping / Cash Trapping / Card Swapping / Leaving Transaction Live

Cash trapping was widely detected in October, particularly within the Europe region. Damage to ATM dispenser shutters was linked to internal cash traps while evidence of adhesive residue was linked to external cash traps. Card trapping also continued to be experienced in many regions through October. A bank manager in India had his ATM card stolen and subsequently experienced fraudulent spend. Unfortunately the manager had written his PIN on the card.

Transaction Reversal Fraud / Cheque Fraud / Denomination Fraud / Funds Transfer

Transaction reversal fraud was detected during October. Deliberate and skilful manipulation of the ATM dispenser to generate a reversal was the most common technique reported where the objective was to specifically cause the account balance to be re-credited.  Transactions were also reversed as a consequence of internal cash trapping. Japan reported ATM funds transfer fraud linked to ore-ore (it's me) fraud.

Ram Raid Attacks / Theft of ATM / Smash-and-Grab

Police in Australia released CCTV footage following the theft of an ATM using a vehicle and chain. A security guard was murdered during a failed theft of an ATM in Thailand. A front-end loader was used to dislodge an ATM in the US but the suspects failed to steal the ATM. In a separate US incident, a forklift was used in the theft of an ATM. A digger was successfully used to steal an ATM in the UK during October.

Safe Cutting / Safe Breaking / Theft from ATM

A crowbar was used to open an ATM in a convenience store in the US in October. During the same incident, the store's safe was unable to be forced open indicating the different levels of physical protection that are often selected. Ten members of a crime gang in the UK were sentenced in October. They were linked to 32 burglaries targeting ATMs and cigarette vendors. Extensive damage was caused to a newsagents shop in the UK after suspects rammed a car through security shutters. The ATM was damaged but no cash obtained as none was left within the ATM overnight. Statistics released in Malaysia during October indicated there have been 17 ATM theft incidents so far this year compared with five last year. The Malaysian government have taken steps to ensure that ATMs purchased and installed by the banks meet minimum international standards for security. Two suspects were arrested in India following theft from ATMs. CCTV cameras had been obscured with leaves in an attempt to avoid identification. A shotgun was used in a US incident but failed to breach the ATM security enclosure.

Explosive Attacks

Explosive attacks in Brazil were reported in October. A suspect in Australia accused of a number of ATM explosive gas attacks was remanded in custody. Seven suspects were arrested in South Africa accused of possession of explosives linked to ATM bombings.

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The above digest is provided by DFR Risk Management, who provide consultancy services advising ATM and self-service terminal deployers and manufacturers, as well as law-enforcement agencies,onhow to manage ATM and self-service terminal fraud and security threats.